If you’re inclined to indulge in a bit of traditional Rioja, you’ll know all about this house and this wine. I’ve been working through the range over the weekend, starting off with this Reserva from the great 2001 vintage.
A blend of Tempranillo (89%), Graciano (5%) and Mazuelo (6%), this Rerserva follows the usual pattern of aging in the bodega for at least 3 years. In this case, 18 months of that are in french and american oak, the other 18 months is in bottle.
The nose comes over smooth and confident with cherry and plum, with cinnamon, star anise and a bit of cigar box. Its full of beans in the mouth, with velvety and refined tannins. Cherry and blue fruits on the palate with subtle cinnamon and anise. A fairly robust wine that shows plenty of class. It went really well with my lamb racks, it even went well with a slab of fromage de meaux. 90 Pts.
Source: Broadway Liquor Distributors Price: $35 Closure: Conventional Cork
we have to work on your cheese selection maybe manchego? haha
I’d run out of good Spanish cheese, so I went for second best!
Brie do Meaux second best. That is funny! Just leave it all for me
Speaking of Manchego. It reminds me of Gouda in that there are a wealth of interesting versions especially aged examples that we don’t tend to see over here.
As for the wine, I am curious as to whether there are any Spanish wines over here with Cariñena/Mazuelo/Carignan as the only or dominant grape varietal.
cheers
Carl
There are a couple of different types of manchego getting around now, but you’re right we see about 5% of what is out there.
I think there is a couple of carinena based wines from Monsant around, some with over 50% from memory.
funny you ask that in a couple of months there will be a beronia reserva 100% mazuelo available for appox $35-$40
Where can this delicious wine be purchased in Ireland? Does anyone know a retailer who imports it?
Hi Hugh,
I’m in Australia, so I don’t have any contacts in Ireland, but I did find something on Wine Searcher (http://www.wine-searcher.com)
JM Vintners in Dublin stock these wines (http://www.Jmvintners.com). I hope that helps…